Powered by Blogger.

At This Time Next Week...

...Seven Days and not quite 168 hours I will officially be a retiree. I got off the bus tonight and as I was crossing the street I thought, "At this time next Friday I will be retired." I can't say I've just been going through the motions. I've been to meetings, worked on a major project -- which will be nowhere near where it should be, but I've done my part pushing it along -- and have just about cleaned out my office and files. I've left time on Sunday and Monday to go into the office and get things done. I've got to wrap up my snow globe collection...


...clean out two more drawers and write a number of email notes. I know I can probably get it all done later in the week, but I'm feeling a need to be organized and not think about filing, shredding and sorting things I need to take home. I think I can get everything I want to do completed on Sunday and then I can really relax and enjoy spending time with my friends at work next week.

One of my colleagues reached out to a friend about a long-term volunteer idea for me and I've been quite tickled at the thought. It's very preliminary, but I love the idea. He remembered some of the conversations we've had over the years -- we've worked together since I started my job nineteen years ago -- and it's his goodbye gift to me. I will reach out to his friend over the weekend and hope to set up a meeting for the beginning of June. It's too soon to be more detailed, but it's a wonderful place, and incorporates a number of my interests. I will keep you posted. I have an orientation for another volunteer opportunity on June 10 and will report back after after that program. I've taken Susie's good advice to not waste a minute of retirement and I am moving ahead with plans.

Today was rainy and dreary and tomorrow doesn't look too much better. Happily I have a theater ticket and will stay warm and dry inside Lincoln Center. I also have a fun Pink Saturday post, so please come and visit.

Wishes for a Wonderful Weekend!

19 comments

Anonymous said...

Such an exciting time! Best wishes with the volunteer work. Sorry to hear your weather is less than ideal. We are finally seeing sunshine after several weeks of rain.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I can imagine you are excited about retiring. It is close now. Hope you have a wonderful weekend too!

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

You are doing it right. Planning ahead for your future retirement is key. You will go through many emotions as it is a life changing event. In the past two years I have gone through some ups and downs, however there have been many more ups and now I am completely into the rhythm of retirement. The key for me was to find purpose and to finally breathe out. Life is good and I wish you the same.

Maggid said...

New Adventure right around the corner!!! Very Exciting.
Shabbat Shalom!!!
-h-

Theresa said...

I am "over the moon" excited for you! I have been retired for 11 years and have truly enjoyed EVERY day of it! Have a blessed last week of work! Can't wait to hear all about your plans! HUGS!

Chatty Crone said...

I am thrilled for you too Carol! They will have a hard time replacing you - they'll need two people! You did a great job - you finished that race - now on to the next one. Congrats. sandie

Susie said...

Buttercup, Thank you for the mention, and always for the visits. I wish I could be at the Lincoln Center with you. That is one place I'd like to see my next trip to NYC.
I think you know enough people and places in your big city....I don't imagine you'll ever be bored. Then there's that book you need to write. :):)
I'll be wishing you the best week ever at work. You will miss your co-workers and all the nice times at work. I'll be thinking of you. xoxo,Susie

Barbara F. said...

You will love all the options that will be available. Just relax, don't let people convince you that you will be idle or bored, go with the flow. Get use to the question: what do you do all day? I was happy to say "volunteer", it kept them quiet. ;-) There are pajama days, and cleaning days, and running around days, and so on and so forth. All at your discretion. I jumped into volunteering, too, right at the beginning. Not so sure I would do that again right away. xo

Grammy Staffy said...

Congrats...I am happy for you. I will not be able to tell you next week from Alaska but I will be thinking of you my friend. Love, Lura

TARYTERRE said...

You must be having mixed emotions about retirement. Exciting on the one hand. Sad to say goodbye on the other. I'm sure you'll find something to fill the hours and keep you busy.

Pondside said...

I will be watching your blog with interest, as you go ahead of me. I will retire in almost exactly 10 months. I have a lot of ideas, but will enjoy learning about how you go about it!

Teacherfish said...

We must celebrate!

Melinda said...

Congratulations! I bet you can't
wait. Very exciting.

Looking forward to hearing about
you volunteer opportunities.

Enjoy your weekend.

M :)

Dee @ A Deecoded Life said...

One week more! If I were in your place I'd be excited yet sad at the same time. Good luck on your next journey.

Nellie said...

How amazing, Buttercup! I haven't regretted retiring for a single moment! I actually do enjoy being at home, though I have become in several activities in my church and community.

Enjoy your seek-end!

Ms Sparrow said...

One of the great things about being retired is the opportunity to volunteer at things that are close to your heart.

Martha said...

Most definitely a super exciting time! I'm a bit jealous but looking forward to going part time which I'll call being semi-retired :)

Good luck getting everything finished up and keep us posted on the volunteer opportunity.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sharon said...

We have mentioned you so often. It's almost as if we are counting down the days with you and imagining you making that last dash to the Q line next Friday. Can't wait to read THAT post! We are half way home - made it around NYC about 6:30 a.m. this morning IN THE RAIN but with no significant traffic and no problems. Yippee! Already planning our next trip......

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

wow ~ big changes :) Looking forward to hearing about your future plans!